Phil Robertson: 'Vote this ungodly bunch out of Washington, D.C.'

Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson has rallied his fans to vote Republican during the next election, branding Obama's administration as an "ungodly bunch".

Speaking during a Q&A session at the Rock the South festival in Alabama this weekend, Robertson addressed a few of the more controversial issues that have come up since his family rose to fame through their hit reality TV show.

The Robertsons are devoted Christians and are well known for their strong faith – they have faced criticism for being uncompromising in their beliefs on camera. Phil was even suspended from the show in December last year after making what were considered to be homophobic comments in GQ magazine.  He was later reinstated by the network.

"I'm actually a nice man... I'm trying to help those poor souls and turn them to Jesus," he said on Saturday of his controversial remarks, according to the Washington Times.

He then attributed his success to God, asking the crowd gathered: "You don't think the Almighty ain't there?"

In his usual candid style, Robertson also raised some eyebrows by advocating teenage marriage – something he should know about.  His wife, Miss Kay who also features on Duck Dynasty, was just 16 when they wed.

"You don't wait for 'em to be 20 years old to marry 'em. That's too old," he said on Saturday, echoing advice he gave last year - footage was found in December in which Robertson advised young men: "Look, you wait till they get to be 20 years old, the only picking that's going to take place is your pocket.

"You got to marry these girls when they are about 15 or 16. They'll pick your ducks. You need to check with mum and dad about that, of course."

Rounding up the Q&A session, Robertson – who recently spoke at the 2014 Republican Leadership Conference, during which he urged those involved in politics to draw closer to God – then called on those present to vote for Obama's opponent in the next election.

"Hey, Alabama, whatever you do, register to vote for this presidential election," Robertson insisted.

"Go vote for the House and Senate, too. Vote this ungodly bunch out of Washington, D.C."